Beautiful Handmade Cards

*Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Kara LaFrance and I’m a North East girl (North Jersey and Boston) now living in Coastal North Carolina for the past 6 years. I went with Vive LaFrance Design because LaFrance is my married name... and I think it kinda rocks. Since I've changed my name, people everywhere would say, "oohhh, LaFrance. What a great name" It's kinda funny so I went with it. 

I have been painting since I was seven and have a BA in Graphic Design -- I love combining art and design. I really enjoy the hands-on part. When I first found Etsy I flip-flopped because of my health. I have a rare pituitary disease that was elusive for a decade and took away everything that made me me --except my creativity. So anytime I could muster up the energy I would work on a painting or a freelance design project. It eventually lead to making scrapbooks for people. Then I had lots of paper......paper makes me happy! So I started making cards again. (I had been making watercolor cards and selling them at local craft fairs but lost interest). My life isn’t anything what I planned but, ya know, ya gotta go with it. Apperently I’m tenacious... in everything, so I fight for good days and creating!

*What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your product?

• Thoughtfully designed
• Professional
• Pretty
• Bold
• That would be perfect for ....

*What’s your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you just can’t pass up?

I love color. I seem to go through phases, maybe with the seasons. I can’t pass up flowers. My obession is handmade flowers from other estians!!

*What do you do when you’re not being an artist? What activities do you enjoy?

My life revolves around pain management.... And I push my limits. I strive for an organic, eco-friendly creative life. I love pilates. It makes me strong and calm. Apparently I’m hign strung!

*What keeps you motivated?

Creating is motivating. Connecting with someone and making their business more successful through graphic design or a keepsake card is motivating.

*If you could give a piece of advice to a new shop - what would it be?

Don’t rush it. Don’t get disouraged. Join an etsy community. For Pete’s sake take good photos! And be an etsy shopper. Ut the most important thing is buy something!! It builds trust and community.

*Are there other places on the net we can find you?

www.facebook.com/vivelafrancedesign